So, it doesn’t come as a surprise to many that the state has been nicknamed the ‘Cowboy State’. There are plenty of interesting and amusing facts about the state that you probably never knew. Let’s take a look at some of them here:

1. Buffalo Bill made Wyoming water-rich

One of the prominent figures of the American west is Buffalo Bill. You’ll get to hear lots of stories about his escapades in Wyoming. Many don’t know that he was a real person. Besides being a gunslinger, he was a showman and a businessman.

After he became immensely successful, he moved to this state and set up the Shoshone Land and Irrigation Company. Apparently, more than 60,000 acres of Wyoming got access to water because of his company.

2. The meaning of Wyoming

Although there are many in the world who know about Wyoming, only a few know what it means. Although the exact origin of this name is still unknown, historians have some theories. According to several experts among them, it comes from a Native American word.

The nomadic tribes that passed through the state often described it as ‘large plains’ in their language. There is a possibility of this word being adopted later to derive its modern name of Wyoming.

3. Wyoming had the country’s first female governor

After Governor William Bradford Ross passed away, his wife Nellie Tayloe Ross was elected in his place. She thus became America’s first female governor. Nellie Tayloe Ross served as Wyoming’s 14th governor from 1925 to 1927. She was later appointed by Franklin D. Roosevelt to serve as the United States Mint’s director. Even to this day, she is the only female governor that Wyoming has ever had.

4. Least populous state in the United States

According to the country’s census records, Wyoming is USA’s least populous state. This is quite surprising because the state is 10th largest in the United States by area. The population of Wyoming is approximately 586,000 and they live within the state’s 97,818 square miles.

The smallest state in the United States of America is Rhode Island. It has a total area of only 1212 square miles and still houses over a million people. Now, this would give you some perspective about Wyoming’s population.

5. Wyoming has most of Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park has some of the gorgeous natural landscapes in North America. Most of the park falls within the borders of this state. The other parts of Yellowstone National Park are in Idaho and Montana. Millions of people from different parts of the world visit this national park every year.

It is one of the most popular attractions in the country today. Overall, the park covers an area of almost 3,500 square miles.

6. Artist Jackson Pollock was born in Wyoming

Some of the earliest works of Jason Pollock were inspired by the Native American artwork. He was born in Cody, a city located in Northwest Wyoming. Pollock is considered one of the key figures in the abstract art movement. After he found success from his works of art, he moved to New York City. He, however, always remained close to his roots.

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Besides discovering the majestic attractions of this state, you’ll also get the chance to embark on some outdoor adventures. The rugged landscapes in this part of the world provide ideal settings for such activities. However, here we’ll focus on the best attractions you can explore in Wyoming.

1. Jackson

This charismatic town is the gateway to Grand Teton National Park. You’ll feel the spirit of the Wild West in Jackson. It is located at the foot of the magnificent Teton Mountains and has many charming features that delight tourists. While getting around in this town, you’ll come across rustic buildings of wood.

Adding charm to the town of Jackson are some quaint shops, restaurants, and galleries. Jackson is also a popular place to stop while getting to the Yellowstone National Park. On the borders of this town is the National Elk Refuge. It protects the world’s largest herd of wintering elk.

Another great place you can visit while touring Jackson is the National Museum of Wildlife Art. Located to the south of the town, it houses over 4,000 works of art.

2. Yellowstone National Park

A geothermal wonder, Yellowstone National Park is home to some marvelous gifts of nature. This park was established in the late 19th century and is the first and oldest national park in the world. Here, you’ll find steaming hot springs, hissing natural geysers, and bubbling mud pots.

They were formed as a result of volcanic activities millions of years ago. The park is also home to some amazing spots where you’ll find an abundant wildlife. You’ll see herds of bison roaming around freely in the valleys. Other wild animals that you’ll get to see in this park are wolves, black bears, and trumpeter swans.

A drive through the park would allow you to witness all those marvelous sights. Another great option for exploring the park’s ecosystems would be to hike through the vast network of trails. You can also stay in one of the scenic campgrounds in the park to experience the wilderness.

3. Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is home to over 300 species of birds, freshwater fish, and 60 species of mammals. This is why the park has become a paradise for photographers, hikers, wildlife lovers, and kayakers. A visit to this national park will also give you the chance to witness the mighty Teton Mountain Range. The mountains date back millions of years.

The highest among them is the Grand Teton, which has a height of 13,770 feet. Of course, the best way to explore the awe-inspiring sights of this park is hiking. This national park witnesses a heavy rush of visitors during summers. Around this time of the year, hiking trails on the high mountain are completely free of snow. You can also visit Grand Teton National Park during spring or fall.

4. Cheyenne

Named after the Cheyenne Indians, this is the capital city of Wyoming. You can learn the history of Cheyenne by visiting its museums and historic sites. One of them is the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum. It will give you a glimpse of the Wild West with some antique items and exhibits.

The city was once the United States Cavalry’s largest outpost. Other fascinating attractions worth visiting in the city is the Wyoming State Capitol Building and the Wyoming State Museum.

5. Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area

Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area has been named after the attractive red sandstone cliffs at this place. This recreational spot in Wyoming is also home to the Flaming Gorge Reservoir, which is fed by waters of the Green River. It gives you the chance to indulge in some exciting water-based activities.

They are swimming, boating, fishing, and kayaking. If you’re seeking some extreme adventures outdoors, try rafting in the waters of the Green River. Don’t miss visiting the Red Canyon Vista and Visitor Center. You’ll get to savor some fabulous views of the gorge from this place.

6. Bridger-Teton National Forest

You’ll come across three wilderness areas in the Bridger-Teton National Forest. One is the Bridger Wilderness, located in the Wind River Mountains. It houses the Gannett Peak, which is the highest point in Wyoming. The Bridger Wilderness area is also home to some of the largest glaciers in the world.

Another wilderness area is the Teton Wilderness, where you’ll find grizzlies, bisons, and wolves. The third wilderness area is Gros Ventre Wilderness, which has some charming geological features. The Lower Slide Lake in this area was created when the Gros Ventre Slide carved down a mountainside in 1925.

7. Hot Springs State Park

Located in the town of Thermopolis is the largest single mineral hot spring in the world. The Hot Springs State Park has been built around this spring, providing a wonderful space to stop and relax. The steamy mineral water is channeled into bathhouses when it flows from Big Spring. In the bathhouses, the temperature is kept constant at 104-Degree Fahrenheit.

You can choose to soak yourself in the indoor or outdoor pools. While exploring the Hot Springs State Park, you’ll also find hiking trails, summer flower gardens, and petroglyphs. Also located in this park is the Rainbow Terrace, where water from a stream flows into the Bighorn River.

8. The Wind River Range

Get to the Wind River Range if you wish to escape the bustling crowds and enjoy the apine scenery. This area encompasses seven glaciers, lush meadows, snow-capped peaks, valleys, and waterways. Spread across 2.25 million acres, the Wind River Range offers hiking, fishing, hunting, camping, and climbing opportunities.

There are over 600 miles of trails for hikers, which includes the Continental Divide Scenic National Trail. This particular trail runs from Canada to Mexico! You’ll have an 80-mile stretch of this trail in this region. It reaches an elevation of 11,000 feet and offers great hiking experiences in August and September. These are the months when this trail is free of snow.

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